YMCA Camp Elphinstone
Camp North Star is an overnight summer camp in Poland Spring, Maine, offering a variety of activities and programs...
▌ Editor's read YMCA Camp Elphinstone is an overnight camp located in British Columbia, Canada, operating under the umbrella of the YMCA, a recognized non-profit organization. The website indicates a strong emphasis on safety, with a dedicated 'Safety at Camp' page that mentions staff background checks and training. The camp offers a diverse array of activities, including traditional camp programs like archery and campfires, alongside more adventurous options such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and a high ropes course. They also provide specific leadership development programs for older campers. While the exact years of operation are not explicitly stated on the 'About Us' page, the YMCA's long history suggests a well-established program. Social media presence is active on both Instagram (@ymcacampelphinstone) and Facebook (YMCACampElphinstone), showcasing camp life and activities.
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Nonprofit operator501(c)(3) tax-exempt
Who thrives here Ages 7–17
YMCA Camp Elphinstone is built for middle-school campers — an age where leadership tracks, deeper specialization, and identity exploration take over from generalist day-camp formats. overnight/sleepaway programs that thrive at this age publish a clear weekly progression rather than a rotating activity menu, and the staff-to-camper conversation usually matters more than the activity list.
Facts & Credentials
- Program type
- Overnight camp
- ACA accredited
- Not verified
- Established
- Not listed
- Operator
- Nonprofit organization
- Staff-to-camper ratio
- Not listed
Details
- Category: Overnight/Sleepaway
- Ages: 7–17
- Hours: 24-hour residential
- Address: 1760 YMCA Rd, Gibsons, BC V0N 1V6, Canada
- Phone: (604) 886-2023
- Email: [email protected]
- Cost notes: 2-week session for rising 2nd-5th graders is $4,750. 2-week session for rising 6th-11th graders is $5,700. Other session lengths are available at different rates.
↗ What parents like
- Private lake
- Variety of session lengths
- CIT program available
↘ Watch for
- No phone number listed on website
- Limited space for some sessions
Logistics
- Lunch provided: Yes
- Transportation: No
- Financial aid: No
- Setting: mixed
Frequently asked about YMCA Camp Elphinstone
- What ages does YMCA Camp Elphinstone accept?
- YMCA Camp Elphinstone is open to children ages 7–17. Camps publish their own age cutoffs, and some run mixed-age groups internally; check the registration page for that summer's grouping if your child sits at a boundary.
- How much does YMCA Camp Elphinstone cost?
- YMCA Camp Elphinstone publishes $2,375/week for the standard session. 2-week session for rising 2nd-5th graders is $4,750. 2-week session for rising 6th-11th graders is $5,700. Other session lengths are available at different rates. Final cost depends on session length, sibling discounts, and whether extended care is added on.
- What are YMCA Camp Elphinstone's hours?
- YMCA Camp Elphinstone runs 24-hour residential. If those hours don't quite cover your work day, check whether extended care or early drop-off is offered separately.
- Who runs YMCA Camp Elphinstone?
- YMCA Camp Elphinstone is operated by a nonprofit organization. The operator type matters for tuition policy (refunds, financial aid eligibility) and for what kind of staff training pipeline the camp uses.
- Does YMCA Camp Elphinstone provide lunch?
- Yes — YMCA Camp Elphinstone includes lunch in the program. Confirm whether it's a hot lunch, cold lunch, or a snack-plus-bring-your-own setup, and ask about allergy accommodations if relevant.
Planning guides
Editorial checklists to use before you compare YMCA Camp Elphinstone with other camps.
- How to choose a summer camp · Use the decision checklist before you compare finalists.
- Day camp vs. overnight camp · Decide whether the format fits your child and schedule.
- Packing list and camp prep · Plan gear, medication notes, labels, and drop-off prep.
- Financial aid and scholarship camps · Compare aid policies, discounts, and application timing.